sorghum

noun

sor·​ghum ˈsȯr-gəm 

1

: any of an economically important genus (Sorghum) of Old World tropical grasses similar to corn in habit but with the spikelets in pairs on a hairy rachis

especially : any of various cultivars (such as grain sorghum or sorgo) derived from a wild form (S. bicolor synonym S. vulgare)

2

: syrup from the juice of a sorgo that resembles cane syrup

Illustration of sorghum

• sorghum 1

Examples of sorghum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By working with local farmers to grow crops like high-iron beans and sorghum— both resilient to climate change— the program is helping to create a sustainable supply chain that benefits both students and smallholder farmers. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

The downtown distillery and bar uses the original Great Depression-era recipe for its moonshine, but has also expanded to produce vodka, whiskey, sorghum rum, and beer. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2024

Health-forward organic ingredients such as amaranth and jowar (sorghum) are also incorporated into the dishes. —Kaila Yu, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Get The Recipe 27 of 28 Apple-Cranberry Salad Our favorite part of this simple side salad is the sorghum syrup in the dressing that adds just the right amount of sweetness. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Italian sorgo, from Vulgar Latin *Syricum (granum), literally, Syrian grain

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sorghum

• grain sorghum
• sweet sorghum

Kids Definition

sorghum

noun

sor·​ghum ˈsȯr-gəm 

1

: any of a genus of Old World tropical grasses that look like corn

especially : one cultivated for grain, forage, or syrup

2

: syrup made from a sorghum